Diane Keaton Passes Away at 79: A Look at Her Health Challenges

Diane Keaton’s Legacy and Health Struggles

Diane Keaton, who passed away at the age of 79, faced significant health challenges throughout her life, including skin cancer and bulimia. Her family shared this news following her death in California.

While she kept her health updates private in her final years, Keaton had openly discussed her battles with skin cancer and bulimia in the past, as reported by various sources.

Her iconic hats were not just fashionable; they were born from her skin cancer diagnosis at age 21. In a 2015 interview, she reflected on her family’s history with the disease, highlighting the importance of sun protection.

Awareness and Skincare

Keaton admitted she neglected her skin care in her twenties. “I didn’t pay attention much. I didn’t really care, and that was stupid,” she shared, acknowledging how this oversight impacted her life.

After undergoing treatment for basal cell carcinoma, she was later diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma, which required further medical intervention.

Struggles with Bulimia

Early in her career, Keaton developed bulimia after being urged to lose weight for a Broadway role. She described her eating habits as harmful, consuming up to 20,000 calories a day before engaging in purging behavior, stating, “I am an addict in recovery.”

Eventually, she sought help through therapy, addressing her mental health challenges head-on.

Embracing Motherhood

In her fifties, Keaton embraced motherhood by adopting two children, Dexter and Duke. She expressed that she had nothing to be ashamed of regarding her past struggles.

In her memoir, *Then Again*, she emphasized her solidarity with others facing similar challenges, stating, “I think I’m a sister to all… who have had some kind of eating disorder.”